Ingredients:
- 3 cups Superfine Almond Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Erythritol/Monk Fruit Blend
- 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 4 Large Eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter (1 stick), melted and cooled
- ½ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract (for cake)
- ½ tsp Almond Extract
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks), softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups Powdered Erythritol/Monk Fruit (for frosting)
- 4–6 Tbsp Heavy Cream
- 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of Salt (for frosting)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch tins and line the bottoms with circles of parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sweetener, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisk well to break up any lumps.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the room-temperature eggs until slightly frothy. Whisk in the almond milk, 1 Tbsp vanilla extract, and almond extract. Slowly stream in the cooled, melted butter, mixing until just combined.
- Mix the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Stop mixing the moment you see no streaks of dry flour to prevent developing toughness.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a wooden skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cooling (Crucial): Let the cakes cool in the tins for 15 minutes before gently inverting them onto a wire rack. Peel off the parchment paper immediately. Allow the layers to cool completely (about 1–1.5 hours) before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat the 1 cup of softened butter on medium-high speed for 3–5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sweetener: Gradually add the powdered sweetener, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a cloud. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes after combining.
- Finish the Frosting: Add 2 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat vigorously until smooth. Add remaining cream, one teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Assembly: Level the cake tops if necessary. Place the first layer on the serving plate and spread about ⅓ of the frosting evenly. Top with the second layer.
- Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the outside of the cake (the 'crumb coat') to seal in loose crumbs. Chill the cake for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Apply the remaining frosting generously for the final coat and decorate as desired. Chill for 30–60 minutes before slicing for the cleanest possible cuts.